Constructing the Sexual Crucible by Schnarch (1991) offers material to help people with sexual concerns who fall into the functional, dysfunctional, and blessed few categories. The goal of the book is to create a paradigm shift or a new modality for sexual-marital therapy, rather than to simply increase knowledge in this area (pp. xiv-xv). This reaction paper regards Schnarch's model as a treatment modality pertaining to intimacy and sexuality, constructing the crucible, and inside the crucible related to sexual dysfunction in the marital relationship.
The sexual crucible is a treatment approach based on intimacy and eroticism. It focuses on a non-reciprocity model of intimacy with sexuality as a vehicle for growth. It is operationalized through sexual behavior and helps people reach their sexual potential (p. xvi). Schnarch regards three approaches to intimacy, definitional, descriptive, and clinical. Intimacy discussions need to be clear on definition and yet the concept is casually used. Definitions vary and are approached from individual phenomenology, interpersonal behavior, and social purpose. Dimensions such as intellectual, emotional, and physical, during which intimacy occurs, are considered. Although all of these aspects are important, they may not accurately reflect what is meant by intimacy (pp. 90-92).
Descriptive models of intimacy are usually based on observations of social exchanges, couples forming relationships, and experienced couples. Literature reveals that the search for intimacy is filled with the quest for self-reflection with attempts at self-disclosure rather than a true search to know and be known. The clinical model attempts to understand and explain the dynamic processes that are needed for intimacy (pp. 92-93).
Contributions from different disciplines are discussed. Sexual therapy offers a definition by Masters, Johnson, and Kolodny which states intimacy is a close, trusting, and e...